Whether junior Jordan Manousos is playing rugby or field hockey, making connections through tutoring and clubs or immersing herself in her faith through religious school, she constantly learns valuable lessons that have impacted the way she lives her life.

In middle school, Manousos started playing goalie in field hockey and worked with Special Olympics. She stuck with those interests and now plays varsity field hockey and participates in Best Buddies and Relay for Life.

“I’ve met the best people I could ever know in Best Buddies,” Manousos said. “I’ve learned to be inclusive and accepting. Relay [for Life] is great because it’s for the community and it’s awesome to see it all come together after months of work.”

Freshman year, she started playing hooker in rugby. According to Manousos the position is named for what she does with the ball.

“I was so scared for rugby, but I loved it,” Manousos said. “The coaches don’t just teach you to be an athlete but how to be a good sport: kind and respectful.”

Manousos became a writing tutor for the Algonquin Writing Center after taking Advanced Writing Seminar with English teacher Seth Czarnecki.

“Jordan has the ability to empathize and connect with others regardless of who they are or what their abilities are,” Czarnecki said.

Outside of school, Manousos attends Jewish religious school.

“It’s mostly about how we as youths can empower ourselves to be leaders,” Manousos said. “Last year we presented speeches at Capitol Hill which was an insane experience.”

Manousos has also learned time management skills that have made her more prepared for the future.

“I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I wasn’t sprinting through the halls on the way to my next meeting,” Manousos said. “The key is to have balance and don’t overbook yourself. Once you spread yourself too thin, it’s hard to do everything with full effort.”

After high school, Manousos doesn’t entirely know what she wants to do.

“I know the overlap between what I like and what I’m good at,” Manousos said. “The things I am good at are people skills and writing, but there is a lot I can do with that. I have given thought on being a Special Ed teacher but I don’t really know, I guess I will just see where the wind takes me!”

Through these experiences, Manousos has learned a lot about herself and plans to use that knowledge in the future.

“The ability to connect with somebody is not only helpful in the workplace but it’s also helpful to leading a meaningful life, and Jordan is able to do that,” Czarnecki said.